LETTER | MOE's treatment-based rehab approach a welcome move

LETTER | The Health Ministry’s announcement that it is committed to aiding those struggling with drug use and addiction by adopting a more treatment-based rehabilitative approach is a welcome move which can also reduce prison congestion in the country.

As of September last year, the number of prisoners in all prisons across the country amounted to 75,379, exceeding the maximum capacity of 69,816.

A total of 23,523 of these numbers concern offences relating to drug use and addiction under sections 12(2), 15(1)(a) and 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952, nearly a third of the total prison population as of the period mentioned.

Given this high number of drug-use and addiction-related prisoners languishing in prison, the Home Ministry should conduct a thorough study as to whether punitive methods in dealing with the problem are effective.

It is unlikely that they are, particularly when 7,889 prisoners in prison as of September last year were either in remand or convicted for being repeat offenders under section 39C of the said Act.

In the circumstances, it would be prudent for the government to review the said sections 12(2), 15(1)(a) and 39C of the said Act to amend them to cater for a more treatment-based rehabilitative approach.

In light of the above, efforts by organisations such as Persatuan Pengasih, which is supported by the Health Ministry, to treat drug users and addicts ought to be commended and encouraged.

Incarcerating drug users and addicts will not overcome or reduce the problem of drug use and addiction and it is high time that the government adopt policies with long-term goals of rehabilitating these offenders who can contribute to the development of the country, as well as reduce the number of prison inmates to within the maximum capacity of prisons in the country.

RAMKARPAL SINGH is Bukit Gelugor MP.

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